Retail and financial experts have issued warnings to consumers regarding the growing trend of purchase installment applications that encourage buying without genuine need.

These experts describe such apps as primarily marketing tools that aim to significantly boost sales, forming an integral part of strategies employed by various service and product providers to entice consumers into making purchases.

The allure of attractive offers presented in collaboration with credit cards and installment payment options creates a false perception that payments are easy or deferred.

However, experts highlight that this practice often leads consumers into a 'debt spiral.' The tendency to postpone financial obligations can discourage savings and prioritizing expenses, resulting in unnecessary financial decisions.

Consumers have shared experiences indicating that reliance on installment payment applications has caused them to face significant financial challenges.

Some individuals reported accumulating monthly installments that have made it difficult to meet essential household expenses.

One consumer, Fadi Al-Haj, recounted purchasing multiple items through an installment application, including home appliances and furniture.

He noted that the required monthly installments consumed approximately 25% of his salary, leading to financial distress that forced him to cancel his usual vacation plans.

Similarly, consumer Wafa Al-Salhi described her experience with purchase installment applications, where she bought several items, including a smartphone and cosmetics.

She initially sought to benefit from installment plans and discounts, but found herself unable to keep up with the accumulating monthly payments, resulting in late fees that further exacerbated her financial predicament.

Another consumer, Ahmed Farooq, reported purchasing clothing and a laptop through an installment application.

He also utilized the apps for hotel bookings, only to be surprised by deductions totaling over 20% of his monthly salary, which led to financial difficulties and delays in paying utilities.

Ibrahim Al-Bahr, a retail expert and head of a consulting firm, noted that while installment payment features make some products accessible, these applications serve as marketing strategies aimed at increasing sales.

He advised consumers to avoid impulsively purchasing items without assessing genuine need.

Al-Bahr emphasized the importance of budgeting and prioritizing essential expenses, suggesting even small amounts be allocated to savings.

Finance expert Amjad Nasr explained that the use of credit cards and installment payment applications has become a crucial part of marketing strategies aimed at enhancing consumer purchases.

He pointed out that attractive offers create an illusion of ease in payments, prompting consumers to acquire items they do not truly need.

Some applications also offer substantial discounts, leading users to feel they might miss out if they do not make a purchase.

Nasr warned that the consequences of such offers can include unnecessary consumption and the risk of falling into a debt trap.

He noted that deferred payments, whether through credit cards or installments, can diminish a consumer's awareness of their financial burden.

Without strong financial awareness, consumers may find themselves accumulating multiple installment commitments for unnecessary purchases.

Additionally, Nasr highlighted that the habit of deferring payments can detract from the opportunity to save and prioritize spending.

He outlined a budgeting strategy, advocating for the allocation of 50% of income to essential expenses, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings and investments.

In offering guidance to consumers, Nasr suggested several financial tips, including:
1. Implementing a '24-hour rule' to think before making a purchase, particularly when considering whether the product is necessary.

2. Reflecting on whether the item would still be purchased without discounts or payment plans.

3. Monitoring total monthly installment payments to assess their impact on the overall budget.

4. Committing to the '50/30/20 rule' for a balanced approach to budgeting.

These insights reflect a growing concern among experts about the long-term financial implications of installment purchasing behaviors in the consumer sector.